DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, April 09, 2010
Nightly News At 6:00 PM
Bob Ehrlich came to Salisbury to announce his run for Governor of Maryland. Salisbury News provides this exclusive full length announcement.
PIO Wicomico County
So, as a County employee, I have to wonder why we learn about Rick Pollitt's
decision of layoffs (which we figured was next) via the Daily Times... Shouldn't
the PIO address this with employees first? Why do we, the employees, continually
learn of our fate by the news outlets? Clearly there is no need for a PIO, as he
doesn't address most issues, public or otherwise...
decision of layoffs (which we figured was next) via the Daily Times... Shouldn't
the PIO address this with employees first? Why do we, the employees, continually
learn of our fate by the news outlets? Clearly there is no need for a PIO, as he
doesn't address most issues, public or otherwise...
GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY KICKS OFF “JOBS ACROSS MARYLAND TOUR”
Visits Biomedical Technology Magnet Program Students at Randallstown High School;
Promotes Jobs Tax Credit at Amethyst Technologies, LLC
BALTIMORE, MD (April 9, 2010) – Fulfilling his commitment to stimulate job creation and help put unemployed Marylanders back to work, Governor Martin O’Malley today kicked off his “Jobs Across Maryland” tour, and visited with students in the Biomedical Technology magnet program at Randallstown High School, and later visited Amethyst Technologies, a biotechnology company that is currently hiring up to 20 new employees this year.
The Jobs Tour will bring Governor O’Malley to every region of our State visiting with large and small Maryland businesses, public schools and career-training programs throughout the State. At each stop, the Governor will promote efforts to save and create jobs, including the passage of the emergency Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, which offers a $5,000 tax credit for every unemployed Marylander a company hires. The Governor will also discuss efforts to expand access to credit for Maryland businesses.
“There is no government program that is as important or as empowering as a job for helping a family put food on the table, pay the electric bill, and send their kids to college,” said Governor O’Malley. “That is why today we are launching the ‘Jobs Across Maryland’ Tour. On this tour, we will visit small businesses, schools, and career programs, to share ideas and concerns with our fellow citizens who are working hard every day to put more of Marylanders back to work and move our state forward from recovery to a new prosperity.”
“I want to thank Dr. Brown of Amethyst Technologies and her team for helping lead our State into the cutting edge of the biosciences – a sector of Maryland’s Innovation Economy that is essential to our efforts to create jobs, protect jobs, empower small businesses, and defend the hard-won progress of our hard-working families,” Governor O’Malley said. “We are very encouraged that the Budget Conference Committee voted yesterday to increase the Biotechnology Tax Credit to $8 million.”
During his visit at Randallstown, Governor O’Malley met with students studying under the Biomedical Technology magnet program. His first stop included a visit with students who were conducting a lab with DNA. Afterward, he stopped in a forensics class where the students were performing a blood splatter lab. Classes such as these equip students with the skills to succeed in the technology sector.
Following his visit at Randallstown High School, Governor O’Malley toured Amethyst Technologies, a biotechnology company that provides customized compliance services for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, hospital, and food and beverage industries and provides services for clients such as the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command and Coca-Cola. CEO Dr. Kimberly Brown received a 2009 Top 100 Minority Business® Enterprise Award by the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs.
“Amethyst hired six people in the last nine months that were unemployed and has plans for 20 additional jobs this year,” said CEO of Amethyst Technologies, Dr. Kimberly Brown. “This Job Creation Tax Credit will provide additional funding for our expansion from biotechnology into food/beverage, hospital, and aviation sectors. Maryland is truly a business-friendly state.”
Last month, as part of his Economic Recovery Agenda, Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, which offers up to $5,000 to employers who hire unemployed Marylanders. The tax credit went into effect as of March 25, 2010, and already 19 applications have been certified by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR).
To claim the Jobs Tax Credit, employers must apply for and receive certification from DLLR that their hires meet the basic eligibility requirements. The tax credit, considered emergency legislation, will apply to qualified hires made on or after March 25, 2010 through December 31, 2010. An employer may receive a maximum credit of $5,000 for each qualified employee, up to a total of $250,000. The tax credit is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a program limit of $20 million. Employers can apply online at www.dllr.maryland.gov.
Business representatives in local One-Stop Career Centers can help employers obtain information about the tax credit program and identify qualifying prospective employees who are being served in the career centers. Employers may reach the appropriate business representative by logging on to www.dllr.state.us/county.
For additional information on the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, please call 410-767-2996 or visit www.dllr.maryland.gov.
In addition to signing the Job Creation Tax Credit bill last month, the Governor also signed a bill to modernize the State’s unemployment insurance trust fund, and maintain its solvency by leveraging federal funds. Under the Unemployment Insurance – Tax Deferment, Trust Fund Solvency, and Cost-Neutral Modernization Act, Maryland is eligible for $126.8 million in federal funds to return the UI Trust Fund to solvency at no additional cost to employers, while providing plans to help them in paying their unemployment insurance obligations.
Promotes Jobs Tax Credit at Amethyst Technologies, LLC
BALTIMORE, MD (April 9, 2010) – Fulfilling his commitment to stimulate job creation and help put unemployed Marylanders back to work, Governor Martin O’Malley today kicked off his “Jobs Across Maryland” tour, and visited with students in the Biomedical Technology magnet program at Randallstown High School, and later visited Amethyst Technologies, a biotechnology company that is currently hiring up to 20 new employees this year.
The Jobs Tour will bring Governor O’Malley to every region of our State visiting with large and small Maryland businesses, public schools and career-training programs throughout the State. At each stop, the Governor will promote efforts to save and create jobs, including the passage of the emergency Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, which offers a $5,000 tax credit for every unemployed Marylander a company hires. The Governor will also discuss efforts to expand access to credit for Maryland businesses.
“There is no government program that is as important or as empowering as a job for helping a family put food on the table, pay the electric bill, and send their kids to college,” said Governor O’Malley. “That is why today we are launching the ‘Jobs Across Maryland’ Tour. On this tour, we will visit small businesses, schools, and career programs, to share ideas and concerns with our fellow citizens who are working hard every day to put more of Marylanders back to work and move our state forward from recovery to a new prosperity.”
“I want to thank Dr. Brown of Amethyst Technologies and her team for helping lead our State into the cutting edge of the biosciences – a sector of Maryland’s Innovation Economy that is essential to our efforts to create jobs, protect jobs, empower small businesses, and defend the hard-won progress of our hard-working families,” Governor O’Malley said. “We are very encouraged that the Budget Conference Committee voted yesterday to increase the Biotechnology Tax Credit to $8 million.”
During his visit at Randallstown, Governor O’Malley met with students studying under the Biomedical Technology magnet program. His first stop included a visit with students who were conducting a lab with DNA. Afterward, he stopped in a forensics class where the students were performing a blood splatter lab. Classes such as these equip students with the skills to succeed in the technology sector.
Following his visit at Randallstown High School, Governor O’Malley toured Amethyst Technologies, a biotechnology company that provides customized compliance services for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, hospital, and food and beverage industries and provides services for clients such as the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command and Coca-Cola. CEO Dr. Kimberly Brown received a 2009 Top 100 Minority Business® Enterprise Award by the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs.
“Amethyst hired six people in the last nine months that were unemployed and has plans for 20 additional jobs this year,” said CEO of Amethyst Technologies, Dr. Kimberly Brown. “This Job Creation Tax Credit will provide additional funding for our expansion from biotechnology into food/beverage, hospital, and aviation sectors. Maryland is truly a business-friendly state.”
Last month, as part of his Economic Recovery Agenda, Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, which offers up to $5,000 to employers who hire unemployed Marylanders. The tax credit went into effect as of March 25, 2010, and already 19 applications have been certified by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR).
To claim the Jobs Tax Credit, employers must apply for and receive certification from DLLR that their hires meet the basic eligibility requirements. The tax credit, considered emergency legislation, will apply to qualified hires made on or after March 25, 2010 through December 31, 2010. An employer may receive a maximum credit of $5,000 for each qualified employee, up to a total of $250,000. The tax credit is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a program limit of $20 million. Employers can apply online at www.dllr.maryland.gov.
Business representatives in local One-Stop Career Centers can help employers obtain information about the tax credit program and identify qualifying prospective employees who are being served in the career centers. Employers may reach the appropriate business representative by logging on to www.dllr.state.us/county.
For additional information on the Job Creation and Recovery Tax Credit, please call 410-767-2996 or visit www.dllr.maryland.gov.
In addition to signing the Job Creation Tax Credit bill last month, the Governor also signed a bill to modernize the State’s unemployment insurance trust fund, and maintain its solvency by leveraging federal funds. Under the Unemployment Insurance – Tax Deferment, Trust Fund Solvency, and Cost-Neutral Modernization Act, Maryland is eligible for $126.8 million in federal funds to return the UI Trust Fund to solvency at no additional cost to employers, while providing plans to help them in paying their unemployment insurance obligations.
Justice John Paul Stevens Announces His Retirement
The timing of the news is a surprise: Stevens, 89, was expected to wait until after the Supreme Court's oral arguments conclude this month. He will leave when the court's term ends in June or July.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
New SBYNews Promo
DON'T MISS OUR 6 PM BROADCAST TONIGHT. SALISBURY NEWS PROVIDES AN EXCLUSIVE FULL LENGTH PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM FORMER MARYLAND GOVERNOR BOB EHRLICH. SEE YOU AT 6.
Telephone Scam Targeting Veterans
The VA is warning Veterans not to give credit card numbers, bank routing information or any personal and financial information over the phone to callers claiming to update, confirm, or verify VA-related information.VA simply does not call Veterans and ask them to disclose personal financial information over the phone.
A Veteran targeted by scammers alerted the VA, saying that someone called claiming to be with the VA pharmacy and asking a lot of questions. The caller ID indicated that the incoming call was from 1-888-555-1234. There are a number of scams associated with this number, and it's been reported that the callers will call repeatedly and become aggressive. They will claim to be a VA employee saying your medical card is expired and the Veterans must send a check for a certain dollar amount for a renewal. In other versions, the caller says that your bank account is listed on a public computer in an effort to get it removed, you need to verify your bank information. Be leery of any calls originating from this number.
The VA has not changed its process for dispensing prescriptions or for enrollment. Nor has the VA changed its long-standing commitment to protect personal information of this nation's Veterans. Veterans with questions about VA services should call 1-877-222-8387, or the nearest VA medical center.
A Veteran targeted by scammers alerted the VA, saying that someone called claiming to be with the VA pharmacy and asking a lot of questions. The caller ID indicated that the incoming call was from 1-888-555-1234. There are a number of scams associated with this number, and it's been reported that the callers will call repeatedly and become aggressive. They will claim to be a VA employee saying your medical card is expired and the Veterans must send a check for a certain dollar amount for a renewal. In other versions, the caller says that your bank account is listed on a public computer in an effort to get it removed, you need to verify your bank information. Be leery of any calls originating from this number.
The VA has not changed its process for dispensing prescriptions or for enrollment. Nor has the VA changed its long-standing commitment to protect personal information of this nation's Veterans. Veterans with questions about VA services should call 1-877-222-8387, or the nearest VA medical center.
Rep. Bart Stupak To Retire, Putting Seat In Play
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who had a central role in the health reform fight as the leader of anti-abortion Democrats, plans to announce Friday that he will not run for reelection, a Democratic official said. Without Stupak on the ballot, the seat becomes an immediate pickup opportunity for Republicans.
"Now with health care done, he’s retiring," a friend said. "He has thought about retiring for the last three cycles, but was always talked into staying: to elect John Kerry to help end the war, to elect a Democratic majority to get health care done."
President Barack Obama called Stupak on Wednesday and asked him not to retire. Stupak, 58, also resisted entreaties from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), the dean of the Wolverine State delegation.
Republicans immediately attributed Stupak's decision to step down as a direct consequence of his health care vote.
“After selling his soul to Nancy Pelosi, it appears that Bart Stupak finally found the courage to tell her no," said National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Ken Spain. "The political fallout over the Democrats’ government takeover of healthcare has put the political careers of many Democrats in jeopardy thanks in-part to Stupak’s decision to abandon his alleged pro-life principles."
Republicans believe that other pro-life Democrats, like freshman Reps. Steve Driehaus (D-Ohio) and Kathy Dahlkemper (D-Pa.), will also face serious trouble because of their support for the health care legislation without strict anti-abortion provisions.
GO HERE to read more.
"Now with health care done, he’s retiring," a friend said. "He has thought about retiring for the last three cycles, but was always talked into staying: to elect John Kerry to help end the war, to elect a Democratic majority to get health care done."
President Barack Obama called Stupak on Wednesday and asked him not to retire. Stupak, 58, also resisted entreaties from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), the dean of the Wolverine State delegation.
Republicans immediately attributed Stupak's decision to step down as a direct consequence of his health care vote.
“After selling his soul to Nancy Pelosi, it appears that Bart Stupak finally found the courage to tell her no," said National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Ken Spain. "The political fallout over the Democrats’ government takeover of healthcare has put the political careers of many Democrats in jeopardy thanks in-part to Stupak’s decision to abandon his alleged pro-life principles."
Republicans believe that other pro-life Democrats, like freshman Reps. Steve Driehaus (D-Ohio) and Kathy Dahlkemper (D-Pa.), will also face serious trouble because of their support for the health care legislation without strict anti-abortion provisions.
GO HERE to read more.
HELP STOP SALISBURY’S LATEST “ALL AMERICA CITY” SCAM
Awarding an outstanding city prize to Salisbury this year would be as absurd as giving the Nobel peace prize to Obama last year, if not even more so. It should not be allowed to happen.
Let me say in advance to anyone who may criticize the effort to sabotage the City’s attempt to portray itself as something that it isn’t: Enough Is Enough! We thought that this nonsense would end when Barrie Tilghman was out-of-office, and we criticized her attempt to dupe the public by the award of that prize. Jim Ireton should have avoided any further expenditure of City resources to seek this mostly meaningless award, and I never imagined that he would continue to do as she did.
Many of us grossly misjudged Mr. Ireton, who has become an increasing disappointment during the year that he has been the mayor of Salisbury. Just as Obama has emulated his successor after trashing President Bush during the 2008 election, Ireton seems to have followed in Barrie’s footsteps in too many respects to attribute to coincidence. His mantra of last year’s election campaign – that “help is on the way” – has become a laughingstock.
Although we cannot do much to make Ireton do as he promised in order to get votes, we can derail the City’s effort to deceive the public by means of the “All America City” award. The spokesperson for the organization that conducts the contest (National Civic League) is named Mike McGrath – his e-mail address is HYPERLINK "mailto:mikem@ncl.org" mikem@ncl.org . The contest coordinator is Kristin Seavey ( HYPERLINK "mailto:kristins@ncl.org" kristins@ncl.org ).
You can do your civic duty by e-mailing Mr. McGrath and Ms. Seavey (or calling them at 303-571-4343) to say that Salisbury has no business being in the “All America City” contest, much less a finalist for the grand prize. And don’t forget to urge them to read and explore SBYnews to get real news about Salisbury.
Do it now!
Let me say in advance to anyone who may criticize the effort to sabotage the City’s attempt to portray itself as something that it isn’t: Enough Is Enough! We thought that this nonsense would end when Barrie Tilghman was out-of-office, and we criticized her attempt to dupe the public by the award of that prize. Jim Ireton should have avoided any further expenditure of City resources to seek this mostly meaningless award, and I never imagined that he would continue to do as she did.
Many of us grossly misjudged Mr. Ireton, who has become an increasing disappointment during the year that he has been the mayor of Salisbury. Just as Obama has emulated his successor after trashing President Bush during the 2008 election, Ireton seems to have followed in Barrie’s footsteps in too many respects to attribute to coincidence. His mantra of last year’s election campaign – that “help is on the way” – has become a laughingstock.
Although we cannot do much to make Ireton do as he promised in order to get votes, we can derail the City’s effort to deceive the public by means of the “All America City” award. The spokesperson for the organization that conducts the contest (National Civic League) is named Mike McGrath – his e-mail address is HYPERLINK "mailto:mikem@ncl.org" mikem@ncl.org . The contest coordinator is Kristin Seavey ( HYPERLINK "mailto:kristins@ncl.org" kristins@ncl.org ).
You can do your civic duty by e-mailing Mr. McGrath and Ms. Seavey (or calling them at 303-571-4343) to say that Salisbury has no business being in the “All America City” contest, much less a finalist for the grand prize. And don’t forget to urge them to read and explore SBYnews to get real news about Salisbury.
Do it now!
NPR Achive Describes Obama As 'Kenyan-born'
Those crazy "birthers" are citing National Public Radio.
Really? NPR?
Archives for the tax-supported organization reveal that a 2008 report described then-Sen. Barack Obama as "Kenyan-born" and a "son of Africa."
NPR's promotion for the story included a brief description of West African correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton, who "describes the stories that have been exciting, including the U.S. presidential race of Kenyan-born Sen. Barack Obama."
After discussing various issues developing in Africa at the time – such as Kenya's violent elections, the attacks in Zimbabwe and the presidency of South Africa – the conversation on the program "Tell Me More" turned to Obama.
At about 9:45 of the audio report, interviewer Michelle Martin said "a son of Africa. Barack Obama is poised to at least have the opportunity to become the next president of the United States." She asked, "How does this campaign look overseas?"
Quist-Arcton responded by describing Obama as a member of the Kenyan Luo tribe and reporting how Africa viewed the race.
"You know [the campaign] has absolutely fired the imagination not only of American people but of people in Africa," she said. "For a start Barack Obama's father is from Kenya. People were very excited and because they had had a failed election in Kenya, and the opposition leader Raila Odinga comes from the same tribe as Barack Obama's father, the Luo. The joke was going around Kenya that America is going to have a Luo president before Kenya does."
WND also reported this week when a video appeared in which Michelle Obama said her husband's "home country" was Kenya.
Really? NPR?
Archives for the tax-supported organization reveal that a 2008 report described then-Sen. Barack Obama as "Kenyan-born" and a "son of Africa."
NPR's promotion for the story included a brief description of West African correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton, who "describes the stories that have been exciting, including the U.S. presidential race of Kenyan-born Sen. Barack Obama."
After discussing various issues developing in Africa at the time – such as Kenya's violent elections, the attacks in Zimbabwe and the presidency of South Africa – the conversation on the program "Tell Me More" turned to Obama.
At about 9:45 of the audio report, interviewer Michelle Martin said "a son of Africa. Barack Obama is poised to at least have the opportunity to become the next president of the United States." She asked, "How does this campaign look overseas?"
Quist-Arcton responded by describing Obama as a member of the Kenyan Luo tribe and reporting how Africa viewed the race.
"You know [the campaign] has absolutely fired the imagination not only of American people but of people in Africa," she said. "For a start Barack Obama's father is from Kenya. People were very excited and because they had had a failed election in Kenya, and the opposition leader Raila Odinga comes from the same tribe as Barack Obama's father, the Luo. The joke was going around Kenya that America is going to have a Luo president before Kenya does."
WND also reported this week when a video appeared in which Michelle Obama said her husband's "home country" was Kenya.
The video, posted April 3 on YouTube and forwarded by a score of Internet e-mails, shows Michelle Obama saying, "When we took our trip to Africa and visited his home country in Kenya, we took a public HIV test." Here's more
China Is Eager To Bring High-Speed Rail Expertise To The U.S.
BEIJING — Nearly 150 years after American railroads brought in thousands of Chinese laborers to build rail lines across the West, China is poised once again to play a role in American rail construction. But this time, it would be an entirely different role: supplying the technology, equipment and engineers to build high-speed rail lines.
The Chinese government has signed cooperation agreements with the State of California and General Electric to help build such lines. The agreements, both of which are preliminary, show China’s desire to become a big exporter and licensor of bullet trains traveling 215 miles an hour, an environmentally friendly technology in which China has raced past the United States in the last few years.
“We are the most advanced in many fields, and we are willing to share with the United States,” Zheng Jian, the chief planner and director of high-speed rail at China’s railway ministry, said.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California has closely followed progress in the discussions with China and hopes to come here later this year for talks with rail ministry officials, said David Crane, the governor’s special adviser for jobs and economic growth, and a board member of the California High Speed Rail Authority.
GO HERE to read more.
Report: Federal IT Professionals Fear Cyberattack Imminent
More than seven in 10 federal IT professionals believe a foreign country will launch a cyberattack on the U.S.
A new study released this week said the professionals fear an attack on "critical" U.S. infrastructure will be launched by the end of the year. The professionals also fear the federal government won't be able to handle the attack, according to the poll.
Few of the IT experts polled said they spent a significant amount of time preparing federal computers and systems to handle a vast cyberattack, according to the report.
The numbers arrive this week as part of the "Federal Cybersecurity Outline for 2010" survey, a report conducted by Clarus Research Group and commissioned by Lumension, a cybersecurity firm. The study asked roughly 200 federal IT professionals and decisionmakers who work in the defense and national-security communities to indicate how confident they were the United States could stave off a massive cybersecurity threat.
The survey arrives on the heels of a series of cyberattacks that targeted U.S. businesses, including Google, earlier this year.
Ultimately, the report found that few IT professionals felt the federal government was adequately prepared to handle a breach of sizable proportions.
Roughly 74 percent of IT professionals who work in national security felt a foreign-based cyberattack by the year's end was imminent. Meanwhile, 42 percent of all IT respondents ranked the government's ability to handle that threat as "only fair" or "poor."
Of greatest concern to surveyed IT officials is the "sophistication and growth" of cyberattacks, according to the poll. About 64 percent of those queried this month signaled new advances in malware and hacking technology presented the "biggest" security risk to federal agencies, the survey found.
Lawmakers have since attempted to pre-empt some of those concerns, introducing legislation that would protect critical IT infrastructure in the event of a manifest cyber breach.
President Barack Obama has homed the administration in on possible network threats, implementing many of the proposals included as part of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, piloted under former President George W. Bush.
However, few federal IT professionals told pollsters they spent significant time working to implement that initiative's recommendations. A majority of respondents said they devoted less than 10 percent of their work efforts last year to those proposals, which the White House has described as essential for protecting federal networks.
A new study released this week said the professionals fear an attack on "critical" U.S. infrastructure will be launched by the end of the year. The professionals also fear the federal government won't be able to handle the attack, according to the poll.
Few of the IT experts polled said they spent a significant amount of time preparing federal computers and systems to handle a vast cyberattack, according to the report.
The numbers arrive this week as part of the "Federal Cybersecurity Outline for 2010" survey, a report conducted by Clarus Research Group and commissioned by Lumension, a cybersecurity firm. The study asked roughly 200 federal IT professionals and decisionmakers who work in the defense and national-security communities to indicate how confident they were the United States could stave off a massive cybersecurity threat.
The survey arrives on the heels of a series of cyberattacks that targeted U.S. businesses, including Google, earlier this year.
Ultimately, the report found that few IT professionals felt the federal government was adequately prepared to handle a breach of sizable proportions.
Roughly 74 percent of IT professionals who work in national security felt a foreign-based cyberattack by the year's end was imminent. Meanwhile, 42 percent of all IT respondents ranked the government's ability to handle that threat as "only fair" or "poor."
Of greatest concern to surveyed IT officials is the "sophistication and growth" of cyberattacks, according to the poll. About 64 percent of those queried this month signaled new advances in malware and hacking technology presented the "biggest" security risk to federal agencies, the survey found.
Lawmakers have since attempted to pre-empt some of those concerns, introducing legislation that would protect critical IT infrastructure in the event of a manifest cyber breach.
President Barack Obama has homed the administration in on possible network threats, implementing many of the proposals included as part of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, piloted under former President George W. Bush.
However, few federal IT professionals told pollsters they spent significant time working to implement that initiative's recommendations. A majority of respondents said they devoted less than 10 percent of their work efforts last year to those proposals, which the White House has described as essential for protecting federal networks.
Go Here to read more
Newt: ‘We Will Repeal Virtually Every thing They Did’
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Thursday that he thinks Republicans will repeal “virtually everything” the Democrats have done in the 111th Congress.
Speaking to a crowd of about 300 in New Orleans before the start of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, Gingrich upped the rhetoric. He repeatedly called the Obama Administration a “secular-socialist machine” and said its moment is fleeting.
“The left has a very temporary moment in history when it has both Congress and the White House,” Gingrich said. “I think we will repeal virtually everything they did.”
Gingrich, who has spoken out in favor of repealing the healthcare bill, has since added that it’s not feasible until Republicans return to the White House in 2013.
Repeal has been a hot-button issue ever since the bill passed, with the GOP candidates and leaders debating how to proceed on the idea. Some Republicans worry about promising too much and not being able to deliver, and Gingrich has urged Republicans to be honest about how possible repeal actually is.
Speaking to a crowd of about 300 in New Orleans before the start of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, Gingrich upped the rhetoric. He repeatedly called the Obama Administration a “secular-socialist machine” and said its moment is fleeting.
“The left has a very temporary moment in history when it has both Congress and the White House,” Gingrich said. “I think we will repeal virtually everything they did.”
Gingrich, who has spoken out in favor of repealing the healthcare bill, has since added that it’s not feasible until Republicans return to the White House in 2013.
Repeal has been a hot-button issue ever since the bill passed, with the GOP candidates and leaders debating how to proceed on the idea. Some Republicans worry about promising too much and not being able to deliver, and Gingrich has urged Republicans to be honest about how possible repeal actually is.
Jason Mattera: U.S. Youth 'Brainwashed' For Obama
Conservative activist Jason Mattera tells Newsmax that young Americans have been “brainwashed” into supporting President Barack Obama even though his policies are a “torpedo” aimed at their futures.
Mattera, author of the book “Obama Zombies: How the Liberal Machine Brainwashed My Generation,” also says conservatives should learn from the Obama team’s tactics during the 2008 campaign and reach out to young people — or risk losing an entire generation of young voters.
Mattera is known for his “ambush videos” of Democratic leaders and young liberals. He has served as media spokesman at Young America’s Foundation, appeared on cable news programs including Bill O’Reilly’s show on Fox News, and was recently named editor at Human Events magazine.
Asked about his assertion that the Obama team brainwashed young Americans, Mattera says: “A lobotomy took place in 2008. John McCain lost the youth vote by almost 40 points. That was the biggest age demographic shift in presidential history.
“Team Obama employed specific strategies and tactics to brainwash an entire group of people. They had Students for Obama chapters, more than a thousand of them, on college campuses. They were micro-targeting young people in their college dormitory. They were on Facebook doing it. They were uploading videos to YouTube. By the time the campaign ended, team Obama had uploaded more than 1,800 videos to YouTube, and John McCain barely scratched 330.
“It was digital domination. Team Obama was meeting young people where they were — on college campuses and on the array of social networking forums that the Internet has to offer.
“So conservatives really need to have a wakeup call, because it’s not just about losing elections, it’s about losing an entire generation of young people who are uninformed about limited government, personal responsibility, and free market ideas.”
Young Americans have been particularly brainwashed about healthcare reform, according to Mattera.
“Young people can be sold socialism, unfortunately, but you can’t sell it to a generation of hard-working Americans,” he says.
“Young people, my generation — except for the men and women fighting overseas — we’re made up of a bunch of spoiled brats who think we’re entitled to everything. So some politician like Barack comes around and says, I’m going to pay for your college tuition, I’m going to provide you with healthcare, I’m going to stop glaciers from melting.
Mattera, author of the book “Obama Zombies: How the Liberal Machine Brainwashed My Generation,” also says conservatives should learn from the Obama team’s tactics during the 2008 campaign and reach out to young people — or risk losing an entire generation of young voters.
Mattera is known for his “ambush videos” of Democratic leaders and young liberals. He has served as media spokesman at Young America’s Foundation, appeared on cable news programs including Bill O’Reilly’s show on Fox News, and was recently named editor at Human Events magazine.
Asked about his assertion that the Obama team brainwashed young Americans, Mattera says: “A lobotomy took place in 2008. John McCain lost the youth vote by almost 40 points. That was the biggest age demographic shift in presidential history.
“Team Obama employed specific strategies and tactics to brainwash an entire group of people. They had Students for Obama chapters, more than a thousand of them, on college campuses. They were micro-targeting young people in their college dormitory. They were on Facebook doing it. They were uploading videos to YouTube. By the time the campaign ended, team Obama had uploaded more than 1,800 videos to YouTube, and John McCain barely scratched 330.
“It was digital domination. Team Obama was meeting young people where they were — on college campuses and on the array of social networking forums that the Internet has to offer.
“So conservatives really need to have a wakeup call, because it’s not just about losing elections, it’s about losing an entire generation of young people who are uninformed about limited government, personal responsibility, and free market ideas.”
Young Americans have been particularly brainwashed about healthcare reform, according to Mattera.
“Young people can be sold socialism, unfortunately, but you can’t sell it to a generation of hard-working Americans,” he says.
“Young people, my generation — except for the men and women fighting overseas — we’re made up of a bunch of spoiled brats who think we’re entitled to everything. So some politician like Barack comes around and says, I’m going to pay for your college tuition, I’m going to provide you with healthcare, I’m going to stop glaciers from melting.
Tea Party Leaders Announce New Federation
Several tea party leaders announced plans Thursday to form a national federation to promote the movement's conservative message and to counter the idea that the tea parties are politically unsophisticated and disorganized.
Tea party leaders from Memphis, Tenn., Richmond, Va., and Orlando, Fla., along with representatives of several other groups announced the new National Tea Party Federation during a rally outside the Minnesota Capitol. They said 21 tea party groups around the nation had joined the federation.
Memphis Tea Party founder Mark Skoda said recent media coverage had questioned whether the conservative tea parties, which number in the thousands nationwide, were too loosely organized to be politically effective in the national midterm election. He said the federation intends to convey a unified message about the tea party's brand of fiscal conservatism, which emphasizes limited government, less public spending and free markets.
He said the organization also hopes to rebut allegations about the movement: "Everything from calling the tea party members racist, that we are violent, that somehow we are fermenting another Kristallnacht. These accusations are indeed false and they won't stand."
The organizers said that the federation does not intend to direct activities by the farflung groups, but to improve communications among them, along with affiliate groups such as Americans for Tax Reform, Let Freedom Ring and Citizens United.
More
Tea party leaders from Memphis, Tenn., Richmond, Va., and Orlando, Fla., along with representatives of several other groups announced the new National Tea Party Federation during a rally outside the Minnesota Capitol. They said 21 tea party groups around the nation had joined the federation.
Memphis Tea Party founder Mark Skoda said recent media coverage had questioned whether the conservative tea parties, which number in the thousands nationwide, were too loosely organized to be politically effective in the national midterm election. He said the federation intends to convey a unified message about the tea party's brand of fiscal conservatism, which emphasizes limited government, less public spending and free markets.
He said the organization also hopes to rebut allegations about the movement: "Everything from calling the tea party members racist, that we are violent, that somehow we are fermenting another Kristallnacht. These accusations are indeed false and they won't stand."
The organizers said that the federation does not intend to direct activities by the farflung groups, but to improve communications among them, along with affiliate groups such as Americans for Tax Reform, Let Freedom Ring and Citizens United.
More
Yard Sales 04/09/10
GO HERE for this weekend's yard sales.
If you have a yardsale that you would like to post, please email me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com. Type "yardsale" in the subject of your email. Please give any/all details to help promote it.
Have a nice weekend.
10:30 am - a few more have been added, so please check again.
If you have a yardsale that you would like to post, please email me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com. Type "yardsale" in the subject of your email. Please give any/all details to help promote it.
Have a nice weekend.
10:30 am - a few more have been added, so please check again.
Officer To Obama: Burden Of Proof Must Rest With You
An Army flight surgeon who is refusing further orders unless President Obama documents his eligibility to be commander in chief has released a copy of the letter he dispatched to the president in which he states "the burden of proof must rest with you."
WND has reported the case of Lt. Col. Terry Lakin, including when he revealed Army threats to punish him for his stance.
Lakin had announced his position with a video stating he would not follow orders because he was not sure of their legality under Obama, who has concealed personal information that could confirm he meets the constitutional requirement that a president be a "natural born citizen."
The letter, posted at the Safeguard Our Constitution website, which is assembling support for the officer, describes how Lakin tried through his chain of command and his congressional office to get answers to questions about Obama's eligibility.
"You serve as my commander-in-chief. Given the fact that the certification that your campaign posted online was not a document that the Hawaiian Department of Homelands regarded as a sufficient substitute for the original birth certificate and given that it has been your personal decision that has prevented the Hawaiian Department of Health from releasing your original birth certificate or any Hawaiian hospital from releasing your records, the burden of proof must rest with you," he wrote.
"Please assure the American people that you are indeed constitutionally eligible to serve as commander-in-chief and thereby may lawfully direct service members into harm's way," he continued. "I will be proud to deploy to Afghanistan to further serve my country and my fellow soldiers, but I should only do so with the knowledge that this important provision of our Constitution is respected and obeyed."
He had noted that every soldier "learns what constitutes a lawful order and is encouraged to stand up and object to unlawful orders." And he noted his orders to deploy include a demand for copies of his birth certificate.
But he said he was troubled by the president's decision to conceal "from public view" records that could easily end questions about Obama's place of birth and "natural born" status.
Lakin concludes: "Unless it is established (by this sufficient proof that should be easily within your power to provide) that you are constitutionally eligible to serve as president and my commander-in-chief, I, and all other military officers may be following illegal orders. Therefore, sir, until an original birth certificate is brought forward that validates your eligibility and puts to rest the other reasonable questions surrounding your unproven eligibility; I cannot in good conscience obey ANY military orders."
(There's lots more here)
WND has reported the case of Lt. Col. Terry Lakin, including when he revealed Army threats to punish him for his stance.
Lakin had announced his position with a video stating he would not follow orders because he was not sure of their legality under Obama, who has concealed personal information that could confirm he meets the constitutional requirement that a president be a "natural born citizen."
The letter, posted at the Safeguard Our Constitution website, which is assembling support for the officer, describes how Lakin tried through his chain of command and his congressional office to get answers to questions about Obama's eligibility.
"You serve as my commander-in-chief. Given the fact that the certification that your campaign posted online was not a document that the Hawaiian Department of Homelands regarded as a sufficient substitute for the original birth certificate and given that it has been your personal decision that has prevented the Hawaiian Department of Health from releasing your original birth certificate or any Hawaiian hospital from releasing your records, the burden of proof must rest with you," he wrote.
"Please assure the American people that you are indeed constitutionally eligible to serve as commander-in-chief and thereby may lawfully direct service members into harm's way," he continued. "I will be proud to deploy to Afghanistan to further serve my country and my fellow soldiers, but I should only do so with the knowledge that this important provision of our Constitution is respected and obeyed."
He had noted that every soldier "learns what constitutes a lawful order and is encouraged to stand up and object to unlawful orders." And he noted his orders to deploy include a demand for copies of his birth certificate.
But he said he was troubled by the president's decision to conceal "from public view" records that could easily end questions about Obama's place of birth and "natural born" status.
Lakin concludes: "Unless it is established (by this sufficient proof that should be easily within your power to provide) that you are constitutionally eligible to serve as president and my commander-in-chief, I, and all other military officers may be following illegal orders. Therefore, sir, until an original birth certificate is brought forward that validates your eligibility and puts to rest the other reasonable questions surrounding your unproven eligibility; I cannot in good conscience obey ANY military orders."
(There's lots more here)
Powellville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary
Joe,
Hi. Could you please post something on your site about the Powellville Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary Dinner tonight. It starts at 5pm. We serve baked chicken, 1 Oyster Fritter, mashed potatoes, dumplings, a green vegetable, and a roll on a platter for $ 12.00. The dumplings are all you can eat if you eat at the Fire Hall. We have Chicken salad to sell. ($ 5.00 a pint)
Thanks so much.
Karen Childs
Powellville Ladies Auxiliary
childs@jimandkaren.net
Hi. Could you please post something on your site about the Powellville Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary Dinner tonight. It starts at 5pm. We serve baked chicken, 1 Oyster Fritter, mashed potatoes, dumplings, a green vegetable, and a roll on a platter for $ 12.00. The dumplings are all you can eat if you eat at the Fire Hall. We have Chicken salad to sell. ($ 5.00 a pint)
Thanks so much.
Karen Childs
Powellville Ladies Auxiliary
childs@jimandkaren.net
AFP Billboard Update
OUR AFP PATRIOTS IN MONTGOMERY, DORCHESTER AND WICOMICO HAVE RESPONDED GENEROUSLY TO THE WORCESTER CHAPTER ROUTE 50 BILLBOARD PROJECT.
We need about $1000 more to make it happen - - please, those of you who have not donated, please give what you can ASAP.
The total cost for artwork, maintenance and rental for three months is $3000. Just ten dollars a member, ten dollars to save America. Contact Worcester AFP member DENNIS EVANS for details. We need to get moving on this so that we can lock in the best location.
We need about $1000 more to make it happen - - please, those of you who have not donated, please give what you can ASAP.
The total cost for artwork, maintenance and rental for three months is $3000. Just ten dollars a member, ten dollars to save America. Contact Worcester AFP member DENNIS EVANS for details. We need to get moving on this so that we can lock in the best location.
Are Town Officials Finally Listening
"Wow--Your blog entry of mid-March on the Town of Hebron's actions with regard to Waller Landing REALLY raised the hackles of Hebron Planning President John Holston. He seemed very irked by it and even had copies made! When asked what it said, Steve Cox, Town Attorney, read it out loud for all to hear!!
If Holston thought someone in the audience wrote the blog entry, that does not seem to have been the case.
You know you've hit a nerve when the President of a Town Board takes time to talk about Salisbury News at an official meeting and the attorney reads it verbatim at the meeting!!!!
Maybe this is a first for Salisbury News--quoted at a public meeting?"
No, actually Barrie Tilghman did this numerous times. I seem to recall "a waste of good sperm as one of them."
If Holston thought someone in the audience wrote the blog entry, that does not seem to have been the case.
You know you've hit a nerve when the President of a Town Board takes time to talk about Salisbury News at an official meeting and the attorney reads it verbatim at the meeting!!!!
Maybe this is a first for Salisbury News--quoted at a public meeting?"
No, actually Barrie Tilghman did this numerous times. I seem to recall "a waste of good sperm as one of them."
Obama Is Waking - Up America
Barack Obama has awakened a sleeping nation
GARY HUBBELL
ASPEN TIMES WEEKLY
Barack Obama is the best thing that has happened to America in the last 100 years. Truly, he is the savior of America 's future. He is the best thing ever.
Despite the fact that he has some of the lowest approval ratings among recent presidents, history will see Barack Obama as the source of America 's resurrection. Barack Obama has plunged the country into levels of debt that we could not have previously imagined; his efforts to nationalize health care have been met with fierce resistance nationwide; TARP bailouts and stimulus spending have shown little positive effect on the national economy; unemployment is unacceptably high and looks to remain that way for most of a decade; legacy entitlement programs have ballooned to unsustainable levels, and there is a seething anger in the populace.
That's why Barack Obama is such a good thing for America .
Obama is the symbol of a creeping liberalism that has infected our society like a cancer for the last 100 years. Just as Hitler is the face of fascism, Obama will go down in history as the face of unchecked liberalism. The cancer metastasized to the point where it could no longer be ignored.
Average Americans who have quietly gone about their lives, earning a paycheck, contributing to their favorite charities, going to high school football games on Friday night, spending their weekends at the beach or on hunting trips - they've gotten off the fence. They've woken up. There is a level of political activism in this country that we haven't seen since the American Revolution, and Barack Obama has been the catalyst that has sparked a restructuring of the American political and social consciousness.
Think of the crap we've slowly learned to tolerate over the past 50 years as liberalism sought to re-structure the America that was the symbol of freedom and liberty to all the people of the world. Immigration laws were ignored on the basis of compassion. Welfare policies encouraged irresponsibility, the fracturing of families, and a cycle of generations of dependency. Debt was regarded as a tonic to lubricate the economy. Our children left school having been taught that they are exceptional and special, while great numbers of them cannot perform basic functions of mathematics and literacy. Legislators decided that people could not be trusted to defend their own homes, and stripped citizens of their rights to own firearms. Productive members of society have been penalized with a heavy burden of taxes in order to support legions of do-nothings who loll around, reveling in their addictions, obesity, indolence, ignorance and "disabilities."
Criminals have been arrested and re-arrested, coddled and set free to pillage the citizenry yet again. Lawyers routinely extort fortunes from doctors, contractors and business people with dubious torts.
We slowly learned to tolerate these outrages, shaking our heads in disbelief, and we went on with our lives.
But Barack Obama has ripped the lid off a seething cauldron of dissatisfaction and unrest.
In the time of Barack Obama, Black Panther members stand outside polling places in black commando uniforms, slapping truncheons into their palms. ACORN - a taxpayer-supported organization - is given a role in taking the census, even after its members were caught on tape offering advice to set up child prostitution rings. A former Communist is given a paid government position in the White House as an advisor to the president. Auto companies are taken over by the government, and the auto workers' union - whose contracts are completely insupportable in any economic sense - is rewarded with a stake in the company. Government bails out Wall Street investment bankers and insurance companies, who pay their executives outrageous bonuses as thanks for the public support. Terrorists are read their Miranda rights and given free lawyers. And, despite overwhelming public disapproval, Barack Obama has pushed forward with a health care plan that would
re-structure one-sixth of the American economy.
I don't know about you, but the other day I was at the courthouse doing some business, and I stepped into the court clerk's office and changed my voter affiliation from "Independent" to "Republican." I am under no illusion that the Republican party is perfect, but at least they're starting to awaken to the fact that we cannot sustain massive levels of debt; we cannot afford to hand out billions of dollars in corporate subsidies; we have to somehow trim our massive entitlement programs; we can no longer be the world's policeman and dole out billions in aid to countries whose citizens seek to harm us.
Literally millions of Americans have had enough. They're organizing, they're studying the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, they're reading history and case law, they're showing up at rallies and meetings, and a slew of conservative candidates are throwing their hats into the ring. Is there a revolution brewing? Yes, in the sense that there is a keen awareness that our priorities and sensibilities must be radically re-structured. Will it be a violent revolution? No. It will be done through the interpretation of the original document that has guided us for 220 years - the Constitution. Just as the pendulum swung to embrace political correctness and liberalism, there will be a backlash, a complete repudiation of a hundred years of nonsense. A hundred years from now, history will perceive the year 2010 as the time when America got back on the right track. And for that, we can thank Barack Hussein Obama.
GARY HUBBELL
ASPEN TIMES WEEKLY
Barack Obama is the best thing that has happened to America in the last 100 years. Truly, he is the savior of America 's future. He is the best thing ever.
Despite the fact that he has some of the lowest approval ratings among recent presidents, history will see Barack Obama as the source of America 's resurrection. Barack Obama has plunged the country into levels of debt that we could not have previously imagined; his efforts to nationalize health care have been met with fierce resistance nationwide; TARP bailouts and stimulus spending have shown little positive effect on the national economy; unemployment is unacceptably high and looks to remain that way for most of a decade; legacy entitlement programs have ballooned to unsustainable levels, and there is a seething anger in the populace.
That's why Barack Obama is such a good thing for America .
Obama is the symbol of a creeping liberalism that has infected our society like a cancer for the last 100 years. Just as Hitler is the face of fascism, Obama will go down in history as the face of unchecked liberalism. The cancer metastasized to the point where it could no longer be ignored.
Average Americans who have quietly gone about their lives, earning a paycheck, contributing to their favorite charities, going to high school football games on Friday night, spending their weekends at the beach or on hunting trips - they've gotten off the fence. They've woken up. There is a level of political activism in this country that we haven't seen since the American Revolution, and Barack Obama has been the catalyst that has sparked a restructuring of the American political and social consciousness.
Think of the crap we've slowly learned to tolerate over the past 50 years as liberalism sought to re-structure the America that was the symbol of freedom and liberty to all the people of the world. Immigration laws were ignored on the basis of compassion. Welfare policies encouraged irresponsibility, the fracturing of families, and a cycle of generations of dependency. Debt was regarded as a tonic to lubricate the economy. Our children left school having been taught that they are exceptional and special, while great numbers of them cannot perform basic functions of mathematics and literacy. Legislators decided that people could not be trusted to defend their own homes, and stripped citizens of their rights to own firearms. Productive members of society have been penalized with a heavy burden of taxes in order to support legions of do-nothings who loll around, reveling in their addictions, obesity, indolence, ignorance and "disabilities."
Criminals have been arrested and re-arrested, coddled and set free to pillage the citizenry yet again. Lawyers routinely extort fortunes from doctors, contractors and business people with dubious torts.
We slowly learned to tolerate these outrages, shaking our heads in disbelief, and we went on with our lives.
But Barack Obama has ripped the lid off a seething cauldron of dissatisfaction and unrest.
In the time of Barack Obama, Black Panther members stand outside polling places in black commando uniforms, slapping truncheons into their palms. ACORN - a taxpayer-supported organization - is given a role in taking the census, even after its members were caught on tape offering advice to set up child prostitution rings. A former Communist is given a paid government position in the White House as an advisor to the president. Auto companies are taken over by the government, and the auto workers' union - whose contracts are completely insupportable in any economic sense - is rewarded with a stake in the company. Government bails out Wall Street investment bankers and insurance companies, who pay their executives outrageous bonuses as thanks for the public support. Terrorists are read their Miranda rights and given free lawyers. And, despite overwhelming public disapproval, Barack Obama has pushed forward with a health care plan that would
re-structure one-sixth of the American economy.
I don't know about you, but the other day I was at the courthouse doing some business, and I stepped into the court clerk's office and changed my voter affiliation from "Independent" to "Republican." I am under no illusion that the Republican party is perfect, but at least they're starting to awaken to the fact that we cannot sustain massive levels of debt; we cannot afford to hand out billions of dollars in corporate subsidies; we have to somehow trim our massive entitlement programs; we can no longer be the world's policeman and dole out billions in aid to countries whose citizens seek to harm us.
Literally millions of Americans have had enough. They're organizing, they're studying the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, they're reading history and case law, they're showing up at rallies and meetings, and a slew of conservative candidates are throwing their hats into the ring. Is there a revolution brewing? Yes, in the sense that there is a keen awareness that our priorities and sensibilities must be radically re-structured. Will it be a violent revolution? No. It will be done through the interpretation of the original document that has guided us for 220 years - the Constitution. Just as the pendulum swung to embrace political correctness and liberalism, there will be a backlash, a complete repudiation of a hundred years of nonsense. A hundred years from now, history will perceive the year 2010 as the time when America got back on the right track. And for that, we can thank Barack Hussein Obama.
Maryland Changing Stormwater Regulations
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland lawmakers have passed changes to new stormwater regulations that were sought by developers but criticized by environmental groups.
The changes allow local governments to grant waivers for projects already under review but unable to get approval by the May 4 deadline. The vote Tuesday by the joint Senate and House committee means the emergency regulations go into effect immediately and eliminates the need for the Senate to pass a bill House lawmakers had already passed.
Builders had complained the new tougher regulations set to take effect in May would harm their industry while environmentalists say they are needed to restore the Chesapeake. Opponents and supporters packed a hearing room in Annapolis presenting hours of testimony before the vote Tuesday afternoon.
http://www.wusa9.com/news/living_green_now/story.aspx?storyid=99635&catid=175
Even with this it is said that Mayor Ireton does not want to grant any waivers. He is truly showing his ultra liberal colors. Thank you Mr. Ireton for taking your personal agenda over what is best for the local economy. You don’t have to worry about my vote next election.
The changes allow local governments to grant waivers for projects already under review but unable to get approval by the May 4 deadline. The vote Tuesday by the joint Senate and House committee means the emergency regulations go into effect immediately and eliminates the need for the Senate to pass a bill House lawmakers had already passed.
Builders had complained the new tougher regulations set to take effect in May would harm their industry while environmentalists say they are needed to restore the Chesapeake. Opponents and supporters packed a hearing room in Annapolis presenting hours of testimony before the vote Tuesday afternoon.
http://www.wusa9.com/news/living_green_now/story.aspx?storyid=99635&catid=175
Even with this it is said that Mayor Ireton does not want to grant any waivers. He is truly showing his ultra liberal colors. Thank you Mr. Ireton for taking your personal agenda over what is best for the local economy. You don’t have to worry about my vote next election.
Fatal Crash Investigated On Route 13
Location: Route 13 northbound, south of Route 72
Date and Time: Friday, April 09, 2010, at 1:05 a.m.
Involved Parties:
2004 Ford Escape, operated by Darline M. Kane, 40, of Bear, Delaware.
Resume: Shortly after 1:00 a.m. this morning, a fatal crash occurred on Route 13, just south of Route 72, in the town of St. Georges, Delaware.
This investigation revealed a 2004 Ford was traveling on Route 13 northbound at a high rate of speed. The operator, Ms. Darline Kane, lost control of her vehicle on the wet roadway and traveled off of the east edge of the road. The Ford then slammed into a utility pole.
Ms. Kane was transported from the scene to Christiana Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Alcohol is considered a factor in this case. Traffic was diverted for approximately 2 hours.
This crash remains under investigation.
Date and Time: Friday, April 09, 2010, at 1:05 a.m.
Involved Parties:
2004 Ford Escape, operated by Darline M. Kane, 40, of Bear, Delaware.
Resume: Shortly after 1:00 a.m. this morning, a fatal crash occurred on Route 13, just south of Route 72, in the town of St. Georges, Delaware.
This investigation revealed a 2004 Ford was traveling on Route 13 northbound at a high rate of speed. The operator, Ms. Darline Kane, lost control of her vehicle on the wet roadway and traveled off of the east edge of the road. The Ford then slammed into a utility pole.
Ms. Kane was transported from the scene to Christiana Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Alcohol is considered a factor in this case. Traffic was diverted for approximately 2 hours.
This crash remains under investigation.
SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 4/8 @ GREENVILLE
Delmarva Shorebirds (0-0) @ Greenville Drive (0-0)
Flour Field – Greenville, South Carolina | 7:00 p.m.
Radio Broadcast: Sportstalk 960
Talent: Bret Lasky (PBP)
PREVIEW: The Shorebirds begin the 15th Anniversary season in Greenville, S.C. against the Drive (Red Sox). 2010 marks the fifth time over the last six seasons that the Shorebirds are starting on the road. Last season, the ‘Birds posted a 4-2 record against Lakewood and Hagerstown during their first road trip.
SIX FROM 1,000: As the Shorebirds enter their 15th year of existence, they are six wins shy of reaching 1,000. The ‘Birds have accumulated 994 wins since the franchise started in 1996. The Shorebirds are 994-949 over the last 14 years. The ‘Birds have posted a .500 or better record in nine of the 14 years.
PLAYOFFS? The Shorebirds have not qualified for the SAL playoffs since the 2005 season when Gary Kendall guided the ‘Birds to the semifinals. Hagerstown defeated the Shorebirds two games to one. The Shorebirds have made six postseason appearance including the 1997 and 2000 championship runs.
17 YEARS OF MLB SERVICE: The new coaching staff of Ryan Minor (4 years), Mike Devereaux (12 years) and Troy Mattes bring 17 years of big league experience to the table in 2010.
FIRST ROUNDER HOBGOOD LANDS ON SHORE: The Delmarva Shorebirds have received the Orioles first round selection (fifth overall) Matt Hobgood. The last Orioles first rounder to suit up for the Shorebirds was Billy Rowell in 2007. Rowell was the Orioles first round selection (9th overall) in 2006. Both Matt Wieters (2007) and Brian Matusz (2008) skipped over Delmarva. After signing on June 27th (only weeks following the draft), Hobgood was assigned to Bluefield (R). The Norco, CA native finished 1-2 with a 4.73 ERA in eight starts (26.2 innings pitched). His last two starts were very promising. Against the Princeton Devil Rays, he allowed only four hits and a run in 4.2 innings. Then, against the Burlington Royals, he gave up a single hit in five innings.
BIG LEAGUER MIKE DEVEREAUX JOINS STAFF: Former Orioles outfielder Mike Devereaux begins his first season as a coach in the minor leagues. The Casper, Wyoming native played in 12 big league seasons for the Baltimore Orioles (1989-94, 96), Los Angeles Dodgers (1987-88, 98), Chicago White Sox (1995), Atlanta Braves (1995) and Texas Rangers (1997). He played in 1,086 career games. His finest big league season came in 1992 with the Orioles when he finished seventh in the MVP voted. He batted .276 with 24 homers and 107 RBIs. Devereaux was named the Orioles MVP that season. An interesting fact about Devereaux is that he hit the first homer by an Orioles player inside
Camden Yards on April 8, 1992 against the Indians. Devereaux stared at Arizona State where he teamed with Oddibe McDowell and Barry Bonds to lead the Sun Devils to a runner-up finish in the 1984 College World Series.
FULL CIRCLE FOR TROY MATTES: New Shorebirds pitching coach Troy Mattes has seen his baseball career come full circle. As a 20-year old in 1996, Troy Mattes suited up for the Shorebirds during their inaugural season (Montreal Expos). He finished 10-9 with a 2.87 ERA in 27 starts. He formed an outstanding 1-2 punch with Javier Vazquez (now pitching for the New York Yankees). The 34-year played in one big league season for the Expos in 2001. In eight starts, he finished 3-3 with a 6.00 ERA. Mattes was the pitching coach for the Bluefield Orioles during each of the last three seasons.
BUMBRY FOLLOWING IN FOOTSTEPS OF DAD: Shorebirds center fielder Steve Bumbry has large shoes to fill. His dad, Al Bumbry, spent 13 seasons as an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles (1972-84). Al Bumbry was named the 1973 American League Rookie of the Year, hitting .336 with 11 triples and 34 RBIs. Al was named to the 1980 American League All-Star Team. He hit .318 with 53 runs-batted-in that season. The younger Bumbry, Steve, was drafted by the Orioles in the 12th round of the 2009 draft out of Virginia Tech. Steve hit .245 in 45 games for the Aberdeen Ironbirds last season. Bumbry hit .283 with a team best 10 home runs and 40 RBIs for the Hokies in 2009.
TONY BUTLER RETURNS HEALTHY: After being acquired from the Seattle Mariners as part of the Adam Jones deal back in 2008, Tony Butler made 11 starts for the Shorebirds in ‘08. He posted a 3-4 mark with a 4.42 ERA. Last season, Butler struggled with arm issues and bounced between the GCL and Aberdeen. He made 11 relief appearances and pitched in only 13.0 innings. Butler is scheduled to make his first start on April 12th against the Greensboro Grasshoppers.
ANY BIG LEAGUE POP? In 2009, the Shorebirds managed only 49 home runs, which ranked dead last in the South Atlantic League. Will the Shorebirds have a larger power source this year? Tyler Kolodny and Levi Carolus are two that should help supply the long ball. Kolodny has 25 career minor league home runs, while Carolus has 22 career long balls.
ROLES CHANGING FOR RETURNEES: The two headline returners, Tyler Kolodny and Nathan Moreau have both seen their roles change. Kolodny will play first base, while Moreau will come out of the bullpen instead of starting.
Flour Field – Greenville, South Carolina | 7:00 p.m.
Radio Broadcast: Sportstalk 960
Talent: Bret Lasky (PBP)
PREVIEW: The Shorebirds begin the 15th Anniversary season in Greenville, S.C. against the Drive (Red Sox). 2010 marks the fifth time over the last six seasons that the Shorebirds are starting on the road. Last season, the ‘Birds posted a 4-2 record against Lakewood and Hagerstown during their first road trip.
SIX FROM 1,000: As the Shorebirds enter their 15th year of existence, they are six wins shy of reaching 1,000. The ‘Birds have accumulated 994 wins since the franchise started in 1996. The Shorebirds are 994-949 over the last 14 years. The ‘Birds have posted a .500 or better record in nine of the 14 years.
PLAYOFFS? The Shorebirds have not qualified for the SAL playoffs since the 2005 season when Gary Kendall guided the ‘Birds to the semifinals. Hagerstown defeated the Shorebirds two games to one. The Shorebirds have made six postseason appearance including the 1997 and 2000 championship runs.
17 YEARS OF MLB SERVICE: The new coaching staff of Ryan Minor (4 years), Mike Devereaux (12 years) and Troy Mattes bring 17 years of big league experience to the table in 2010.
FIRST ROUNDER HOBGOOD LANDS ON SHORE: The Delmarva Shorebirds have received the Orioles first round selection (fifth overall) Matt Hobgood. The last Orioles first rounder to suit up for the Shorebirds was Billy Rowell in 2007. Rowell was the Orioles first round selection (9th overall) in 2006. Both Matt Wieters (2007) and Brian Matusz (2008) skipped over Delmarva. After signing on June 27th (only weeks following the draft), Hobgood was assigned to Bluefield (R). The Norco, CA native finished 1-2 with a 4.73 ERA in eight starts (26.2 innings pitched). His last two starts were very promising. Against the Princeton Devil Rays, he allowed only four hits and a run in 4.2 innings. Then, against the Burlington Royals, he gave up a single hit in five innings.
BIG LEAGUER MIKE DEVEREAUX JOINS STAFF: Former Orioles outfielder Mike Devereaux begins his first season as a coach in the minor leagues. The Casper, Wyoming native played in 12 big league seasons for the Baltimore Orioles (1989-94, 96), Los Angeles Dodgers (1987-88, 98), Chicago White Sox (1995), Atlanta Braves (1995) and Texas Rangers (1997). He played in 1,086 career games. His finest big league season came in 1992 with the Orioles when he finished seventh in the MVP voted. He batted .276 with 24 homers and 107 RBIs. Devereaux was named the Orioles MVP that season. An interesting fact about Devereaux is that he hit the first homer by an Orioles player inside
Camden Yards on April 8, 1992 against the Indians. Devereaux stared at Arizona State where he teamed with Oddibe McDowell and Barry Bonds to lead the Sun Devils to a runner-up finish in the 1984 College World Series.
FULL CIRCLE FOR TROY MATTES: New Shorebirds pitching coach Troy Mattes has seen his baseball career come full circle. As a 20-year old in 1996, Troy Mattes suited up for the Shorebirds during their inaugural season (Montreal Expos). He finished 10-9 with a 2.87 ERA in 27 starts. He formed an outstanding 1-2 punch with Javier Vazquez (now pitching for the New York Yankees). The 34-year played in one big league season for the Expos in 2001. In eight starts, he finished 3-3 with a 6.00 ERA. Mattes was the pitching coach for the Bluefield Orioles during each of the last three seasons.
BUMBRY FOLLOWING IN FOOTSTEPS OF DAD: Shorebirds center fielder Steve Bumbry has large shoes to fill. His dad, Al Bumbry, spent 13 seasons as an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles (1972-84). Al Bumbry was named the 1973 American League Rookie of the Year, hitting .336 with 11 triples and 34 RBIs. Al was named to the 1980 American League All-Star Team. He hit .318 with 53 runs-batted-in that season. The younger Bumbry, Steve, was drafted by the Orioles in the 12th round of the 2009 draft out of Virginia Tech. Steve hit .245 in 45 games for the Aberdeen Ironbirds last season. Bumbry hit .283 with a team best 10 home runs and 40 RBIs for the Hokies in 2009.
TONY BUTLER RETURNS HEALTHY: After being acquired from the Seattle Mariners as part of the Adam Jones deal back in 2008, Tony Butler made 11 starts for the Shorebirds in ‘08. He posted a 3-4 mark with a 4.42 ERA. Last season, Butler struggled with arm issues and bounced between the GCL and Aberdeen. He made 11 relief appearances and pitched in only 13.0 innings. Butler is scheduled to make his first start on April 12th against the Greensboro Grasshoppers.
ANY BIG LEAGUE POP? In 2009, the Shorebirds managed only 49 home runs, which ranked dead last in the South Atlantic League. Will the Shorebirds have a larger power source this year? Tyler Kolodny and Levi Carolus are two that should help supply the long ball. Kolodny has 25 career minor league home runs, while Carolus has 22 career long balls.
ROLES CHANGING FOR RETURNEES: The two headline returners, Tyler Kolodny and Nathan Moreau have both seen their roles change. Kolodny will play first base, while Moreau will come out of the bullpen instead of starting.
Md. Senate OKs Higher Insurance Minimums
www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-md.insurance08apr08,0,5794012.story
baltimoresun.com
Bill goes to O'Malley
By Michael Dresser michael.dresser@baltsun.com
After a political duel that pitted trial lawyers against insurance companies, the legislature moved Wednesday to increase the minimum amount of insurance vehicle owners must carry, changing the requirements for the first time in 38 years and making higher premiums likely for as many as 200,000 Marylanders.
The Senate voted 27-20 to send the measure raising liability insurance limits to Gov. Martin O'Malley, who has signaled that he will sign it. The bill would raise the current minimum auto coverage protecting victims of crashes from $20,000 per person and $40,000 per crash to $30,000 and $60,000, respectively.
While trial lawyers argued that some plaintiffs were unable to collect enough from insurance to cover their hospital bills, insurers said the higher minimums could lead many low-income motorists to drop coverage altogether. Other opponents said the bill simply comes at the wrong time, with unemployment still high amid a national recession.
Sen. Delores G. Kelley of Baltimore County, one of the Democratic opponents, said the timing was "very poor."
"If we made it 38 years, we can wait till this recession is over," she said.
Most of the roughly 2 million policy holders who already carry more comprehensive coverage than required are unlikely to be affected. Those who hold policies with only the minimum coverage could see premiums rise an estimated $300 for a young male car owner in Baltimore, where vehicle owners pay the highest rates in the state, according to insurance officials.
If O'Malley signs the measure, Maryland would jump into the top ranks of states in terms of minimum liability coverage. For now, its limits are below the national average. More than half of U.S. states have adopted minimums of $25,000 and $50,000.
The bill was approved after a stiff fight led by the Senate's Republicans, joined by a half-dozen Democrats.
In their attempt to rally opposition, insurers enlisted many organizations that work with low-income Marylanders to oppose the bill.
In a political turnabout, Republican lawmakers from largely rural districts cast themselves as defenders of the urban poor against a powerful lobby that contributes heavily to Democrats.
"Why are we going to do it? Because a big special interest, the trial lawyers, want us to do it," said Senate Majority Leader Allan H. Kittleman of Howard County.
But Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, the floor leader for the legislation, said the issue was the estimated 200,000 Marylanders he described as "underinsured." He noted that the limits had been unchanged for 38 years.
"We should have addressed this situation 10-15 years ago and increased it to [$25,000]and [$50,000]," the Montgomery County Democrat said.
Representatives of trial lawyers argued that inflation had severely eroded the value of a $20,000 award since that minimum was adopted in 1972 - noting that today's equivalent would be more than $100,000.
They contended that a significant number of plaintiffs, many of them poor themselves, could not collect enough in insurance to cover the cost of their injuries.
Of those who carry only the minimum coverage, it was unclear how many are actually poor and how many remain lightly insured by choice.
About one-third of those who will be affected are clients of the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund, the state's insurer of last resort, which opposed the bill.
About 98 percent of MAIF customers, who are often the motorists with the worst driving records, carry only minimum coverage. But many thousands more get their policies through commercial insurance companies.
Opponents argued that such increases could prompt many low-income motorists to drop insurance altogether and to illegally drive without insurance.
Within hours of the Senate vote, opponents - including a group of Prince George's County ministers - were preparing to take their case to the governor in the hope of persuading him to veto the bill.
A loosely related measure that would allow MAIF customers to pay in monthly installments is being considered by the Senate Finance committee.
Supporters of the MAIF bill contend that lowering the cost of borrowing could help offset the increased premiums that could result from the higher minimums.
Committee Chairman Thomas M. Middleton, a Charles County Democrat, said he would hold a vote on the MAIF bill today.
baltimoresun.com
Bill goes to O'Malley
By Michael Dresser michael.dresser@baltsun.com
After a political duel that pitted trial lawyers against insurance companies, the legislature moved Wednesday to increase the minimum amount of insurance vehicle owners must carry, changing the requirements for the first time in 38 years and making higher premiums likely for as many as 200,000 Marylanders.
The Senate voted 27-20 to send the measure raising liability insurance limits to Gov. Martin O'Malley, who has signaled that he will sign it. The bill would raise the current minimum auto coverage protecting victims of crashes from $20,000 per person and $40,000 per crash to $30,000 and $60,000, respectively.
While trial lawyers argued that some plaintiffs were unable to collect enough from insurance to cover their hospital bills, insurers said the higher minimums could lead many low-income motorists to drop coverage altogether. Other opponents said the bill simply comes at the wrong time, with unemployment still high amid a national recession.
Sen. Delores G. Kelley of Baltimore County, one of the Democratic opponents, said the timing was "very poor."
"If we made it 38 years, we can wait till this recession is over," she said.
Most of the roughly 2 million policy holders who already carry more comprehensive coverage than required are unlikely to be affected. Those who hold policies with only the minimum coverage could see premiums rise an estimated $300 for a young male car owner in Baltimore, where vehicle owners pay the highest rates in the state, according to insurance officials.
If O'Malley signs the measure, Maryland would jump into the top ranks of states in terms of minimum liability coverage. For now, its limits are below the national average. More than half of U.S. states have adopted minimums of $25,000 and $50,000.
The bill was approved after a stiff fight led by the Senate's Republicans, joined by a half-dozen Democrats.
In their attempt to rally opposition, insurers enlisted many organizations that work with low-income Marylanders to oppose the bill.
In a political turnabout, Republican lawmakers from largely rural districts cast themselves as defenders of the urban poor against a powerful lobby that contributes heavily to Democrats.
"Why are we going to do it? Because a big special interest, the trial lawyers, want us to do it," said Senate Majority Leader Allan H. Kittleman of Howard County.
But Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, the floor leader for the legislation, said the issue was the estimated 200,000 Marylanders he described as "underinsured." He noted that the limits had been unchanged for 38 years.
"We should have addressed this situation 10-15 years ago and increased it to [$25,000]and [$50,000]," the Montgomery County Democrat said.
Representatives of trial lawyers argued that inflation had severely eroded the value of a $20,000 award since that minimum was adopted in 1972 - noting that today's equivalent would be more than $100,000.
They contended that a significant number of plaintiffs, many of them poor themselves, could not collect enough in insurance to cover the cost of their injuries.
Of those who carry only the minimum coverage, it was unclear how many are actually poor and how many remain lightly insured by choice.
About one-third of those who will be affected are clients of the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund, the state's insurer of last resort, which opposed the bill.
About 98 percent of MAIF customers, who are often the motorists with the worst driving records, carry only minimum coverage. But many thousands more get their policies through commercial insurance companies.
Opponents argued that such increases could prompt many low-income motorists to drop insurance altogether and to illegally drive without insurance.
Within hours of the Senate vote, opponents - including a group of Prince George's County ministers - were preparing to take their case to the governor in the hope of persuading him to veto the bill.
A loosely related measure that would allow MAIF customers to pay in monthly installments is being considered by the Senate Finance committee.
Supporters of the MAIF bill contend that lowering the cost of borrowing could help offset the increased premiums that could result from the higher minimums.
Committee Chairman Thomas M. Middleton, a Charles County Democrat, said he would hold a vote on the MAIF bill today.
Check Out This Video
Click here: YouTube - Capitol Hill Conspiracy
The LEFT conspirers to defame the TEA PARTY
Black members of the government claimed to have been called the "N" word and been spit on. I ask this.
1. WHY WOULD THE BLACK DEMOCRATS CHOOSE TO WALK RIGHT THROUGH THE CROWD when the others chose to use the underground tunnel? Maybe egging people on? Maybe provoking a confrontation? Maybe provoking a conflict?
2. Watch the end of the video. The black congressman comes back outside with police and while standing right in front of the man with the white hat, the one who supposedly SPIT ON HIM can't even identify him as the one he had just scoulded as he stuck his finger in his face.
You can clearly see the man yelling Kill the Bill as the congressman claims to have been spit on. One cannot spit and yell at the same time.
The LEFT conspirers to defame the TEA PARTY
Black members of the government claimed to have been called the "N" word and been spit on. I ask this.
1. WHY WOULD THE BLACK DEMOCRATS CHOOSE TO WALK RIGHT THROUGH THE CROWD when the others chose to use the underground tunnel? Maybe egging people on? Maybe provoking a confrontation? Maybe provoking a conflict?
2. Watch the end of the video. The black congressman comes back outside with police and while standing right in front of the man with the white hat, the one who supposedly SPIT ON HIM can't even identify him as the one he had just scoulded as he stuck his finger in his face.
You can clearly see the man yelling Kill the Bill as the congressman claims to have been spit on. One cannot spit and yell at the same time.
Troopers Investigate Accidental Shooting
Location: Southbound RT 896 at Glasgow Ave. south of Glasgow, New Castle County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Thursday April 8, 2010 at approximately 1:20 p.m.
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating and accidental shooting that occurred while the operator was traveling south on RT 896 today.
The incident happened when a 25 year-old Newark man was driving his Dodge Dakota pick up truck south on RT 896. He told troopers that he turned to check on his German Shepard when the .38 cal gun located in his waistband discharged. The bullet entered his right thigh and logged near his knee cap. The gun was not in a holster.
He was flown to Christiana Hospital where he was admitted for a gun shot wound to the right leg. He was listed in stable condition.
Date of Occurrence: Thursday April 8, 2010 at approximately 1:20 p.m.
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating and accidental shooting that occurred while the operator was traveling south on RT 896 today.
The incident happened when a 25 year-old Newark man was driving his Dodge Dakota pick up truck south on RT 896. He told troopers that he turned to check on his German Shepard when the .38 cal gun located in his waistband discharged. The bullet entered his right thigh and logged near his knee cap. The gun was not in a holster.
He was flown to Christiana Hospital where he was admitted for a gun shot wound to the right leg. He was listed in stable condition.
Trooper Involved Crash
Resume: The Trooper injured in yesterday’s afternoon crash is identified as Senior Cpl. Charles Dalton of Troop 2 patrol. He remains in good condition at Christiana Hospital.
The operator of the ’99 Chrysler Concorde is identified as Donald A. Lloyd, 18, of Middletown, Delaware.
This crash remains under investigation.
The operator of the ’99 Chrysler Concorde is identified as Donald A. Lloyd, 18, of Middletown, Delaware.
This crash remains under investigation.
Highlighted Events This Week In Wicomico Schools
On Friday, April 9, from 9-9:50 a.m., author Eileen Spinelli and illustrator Anne Kennedy (“Miss Fox’s Class Goes Green”) will meet with Pemberton Elementary kindergartners and the public for a Q&A session. From 10-10:50 a.m., author S. Terrill French (“Operation Redwood”) will meet with Pinehurst Elementary fourth-graders and the public. From 1-1:50 p.m., author Marfe Ferguson Delano (“Earth in the Hot Seat,” “Genius: A Photobiography of Albert Einstein”) will meet with Salisbury Middle and Mardela Middle students and the public.
The festival will continue on Saturday, April 10, with a community day at Barnes & Noble with collaboration by the Ward Museum. This event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. will include book signings by Green Book Award winners, and information provided by environmental organizations. All events are free and open to the public. For the latest information, please call 410-543-6509. http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~elbond/childlitfestival.html.
Friday, April 9
Warriors’ Challenge
Mardela Middle and High School
Have any plans yet for April 9? Please make plans to participate or help out with Mardela's Warriors’ Challenge sporting competition. Specific details will be forthcoming but for now all you need to know is that the Mardela Middle and High PTA is sponsoring this competition on Friday, April 9, from 6 - 8 p.m. in the gym. Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, and teachers will compete in fun and zany games to see who walks out of the MMHS gym that evening being able to say that they survived the Warriors’ Challenge. 410-677-5142.
Friday, April 9 and Friday, April 10
Early Childhood Concert and Conference
Salisbury University
Wicomico and Worcester Counties will have an Early Childhood Concert for families, featuring David Kisor (of the Devereux Early Childhood Initiative) at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 9 at 7:00 to kick start the Lower Shore celebration of Month of the Young Child. The concert will be in the Wicomico Room at of the Guerrieri University Center at Salisbury University. On April 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wicomico and Worcester will host an all-day Conference featuring David Kisor for child care providers, prekindergarten and kindergarten teachers. This event will be held in the Bistro at Salisbury University. These events and programs for Maryland’s young children and their families demonstrate MSDE’s commitment that students entering kindergarten are ready to learn. Since the Division of Early Childhood Development was established, the number of accredited childcare programs has grown significantly and MSDE has established several quality initiatives to improve the early learning opportunities for all children. This is reflected in the “Children Entering School Ready to Learn—School Readiness Information for School Year 2009-2010” report by MSDE’s Division of Early Childhood Development, where Maryland students entering kindergarten fully prepared for learning increased by 5 percent from 2009 to 2010, up to 78 percent. That is up 29 percentage points since the baseline year of 2002. Kindergarten readiness has improved significantly since all early care programs were brought under MSDE in 2005. For more information on these events visit the Maryland State Department of Education’s website at www.MarylandPublicSchools.org or for the complete Maryland School Readiness report visit the special MSDE website, www.MdSchoolReadiness.org.
The festival will continue on Saturday, April 10, with a community day at Barnes & Noble with collaboration by the Ward Museum. This event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. will include book signings by Green Book Award winners, and information provided by environmental organizations. All events are free and open to the public. For the latest information, please call 410-543-6509. http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~elbond/childlitfestival.html.
Friday, April 9
Warriors’ Challenge
Mardela Middle and High School
Have any plans yet for April 9? Please make plans to participate or help out with Mardela's Warriors’ Challenge sporting competition. Specific details will be forthcoming but for now all you need to know is that the Mardela Middle and High PTA is sponsoring this competition on Friday, April 9, from 6 - 8 p.m. in the gym. Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, and teachers will compete in fun and zany games to see who walks out of the MMHS gym that evening being able to say that they survived the Warriors’ Challenge. 410-677-5142.
Friday, April 9 and Friday, April 10
Early Childhood Concert and Conference
Salisbury University
Wicomico and Worcester Counties will have an Early Childhood Concert for families, featuring David Kisor (of the Devereux Early Childhood Initiative) at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 9 at 7:00 to kick start the Lower Shore celebration of Month of the Young Child. The concert will be in the Wicomico Room at of the Guerrieri University Center at Salisbury University. On April 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wicomico and Worcester will host an all-day Conference featuring David Kisor for child care providers, prekindergarten and kindergarten teachers. This event will be held in the Bistro at Salisbury University. These events and programs for Maryland’s young children and their families demonstrate MSDE’s commitment that students entering kindergarten are ready to learn. Since the Division of Early Childhood Development was established, the number of accredited childcare programs has grown significantly and MSDE has established several quality initiatives to improve the early learning opportunities for all children. This is reflected in the “Children Entering School Ready to Learn—School Readiness Information for School Year 2009-2010” report by MSDE’s Division of Early Childhood Development, where Maryland students entering kindergarten fully prepared for learning increased by 5 percent from 2009 to 2010, up to 78 percent. That is up 29 percentage points since the baseline year of 2002. Kindergarten readiness has improved significantly since all early care programs were brought under MSDE in 2005. For more information on these events visit the Maryland State Department of Education’s website at www.MarylandPublicSchools.org or for the complete Maryland School Readiness report visit the special MSDE website, www.MdSchoolReadiness.org.